Isn't she lovely?

Forgive a doting grandmother, but this little redhead is so very beautiful to me!



She can't be anything but beautiful with a Mom this gorgeous . . .


. . . and a good-looking Dad! (She has his hair!)

You are much, much loved, pretty Arabella . . .

. . . right down to your sweet little toes!

Grandma's House

She lived in a little house, surrounded by many Louisiana acres -- surrounded by quilts which she and her friends had sewn by hand and quilted together around the frame suspended from the ceiling -- surrounded by friends though she lived alone, for the postman would always take a note just down the road to Pinky -- surrounded by the roses and camellias she loved so well -- sheltered always by the huge live oak tree which she had planted as a sapling, its branches a retreat for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

This old house sheltered us during Hurricane Rita, when we were forced to flee our home too near the coast. This massive oak tree rode the storm as it has so many others, with its branches spread over the house, creaking and groaning in the gale but never breaking or falling. We opened all the windows and doors to let the storm winds pass through, and the old house moaned, but resolutely protected all within its walls. Strength of tree -- strength of house -- we felt her presence during that long night. Her spirit is always there, in the home she loved. The resurrection fern on the mighty oak tree reminds me of a life well lived, and which lives on.



She died many years ago, while her grandson and I were in Saudi Arabia. Government wheels could not spin fast enough to get us home for her funeral. But he has her Bible, and it is precious to him.

And in many ways, we still have Grandma. We have her quilts, the donkey quilt which warmed Neely's childhood, and the wedding quilt with its reels of red and cream calico. Our daughter Andrea has her two childhood quilts -- gifts of Grand's hands -- which comfort her and her husband during cold Chicago winters. We have her old rose bush, transplanted now in our courtyard, and its riot of pink blooms every summer. And every time we visit the old home place, we have her lilies which continue to bloom as though she still tended them.



And perhaps she does.

4th of July fireworks at Wildwood Lake, Texas

The 4th of July fireworks celebration is always a big event at the small Texas community of Wildwood. For years, one family has orchestrated the event, and the entire community contributes money so that the show can be really BIG! My sister Judy and her husband Rusty live there, and for the past couple of years we have enjoyed the celebration together.

This is Rusty with my husband, Buddy,

and this is my sister Judy and me.

The fireworks are set off on a small island in Lake Wildwood. Everyone grabs kids and dogs, and jumps in a golf cart, pick-up truck, or boat. The main objective is to claim the best spot to see the fireworks, either on land or water.


This year, even the resident swans positioned themselves. Believe it or not, when the fireworks started, the swans and geese stood on the banks of the lake and watched, just like their human counterparts. Wish I could have gotten a photo -- It was so funny to see!


Before the fireworks begin, there's always a boat parade.


The show this year was spectacular. I'm afraid my photos don't do it justice, but here they are. I need to learn how to take night photos:


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Girls' Weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas

I just returned from a wonderful, refreshing trip to Fredericksburg with my sister Judy, and nieces Jessica, Jamie, and Julie:

(Jessica)

















(Jamie and Jessica)

(Julie)


Fredericksburg is one of those terrific little Texas towns just full of great shops and restaurants, and beautiful little houses.

It's smack in the middle of Texas hill country, surrounded by rugged natural beauty.


















In the springtime, wildflowers abound.















This beautiful area was the perfect place for us to reconnect, to just be girls together for a while, to have uninterrupted time to enjoy each other's company.

My favorite time was the end of the evening . . . sitting on the porch of our bed-&-breakfast ("Geovanna's Cottage") . . . sharing a glass of wine . . . listening to live music at Auslander's Restaurant across the street . . . enjoying the beautiful night sky over the heart of Texas.

Let's plan to do this again soon, girls!